'Inclusive play' is not that simple

Mums of special needs children say council bosses are "missing the point" by striving towards inclusive play as they call for outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities or special needs in East Kilbride.

Mums of special needs children who are backing our play park campaign have again hit out at the council, this time over its ‘inclusive play’ policy.

As reported in the News, a group of mums living in East Mains challenged the local authority over its lack of outdoor play facilities for children with disabilities or special needs.

They believe local play parks are a vital resource for those children who can’t cope with larger, busier play areas.

Mum-of-four Jennifer Kerr, whose four-year-old son Josh is autistic, is now calling on South Lanarkshire Council to rethink its ‘inclusive for all’ play provision, claiming that council bosses could in fact be accused of “excluding” these children from the town’s play parks.

The council told the News play areas across the county are designed to be inclusive to enable children with disabilities to play alongside able-bodied children.

Jennifer, however, believes council bosses are “missing the point”.

“Although the council are striving towards inclusion, it is not appropriate for all children”, said Jennifer.

“Their previous answer was thoughtless as unfortunately in real life, inclusion can only go so far. Those with sensory needs require quiet – something that large parks certainly do not have.

“Not all children are able to integrate and there is certainly not much sympathy at their supposedly sympathetic parks ... making an outing to such parks even more distressing for them.

“It would seem that the council is in fact excluding these kids from their parks. What happened to their policy ‘Getting it right for every child’... not just the majority.”

A child’s wellbeing is at the heart of the Scottish Government’s initiative ‘Getting it right for every child’. It states that every child has the right to expect appropriate support to allow them to develop as fully as possible, which includes being healthy, active, included and safe.

Meanwhile, a story in our sister paper The Rutherglen Reformer last week, revealed there are special needs play facilities elsewhere in South Lanarkshire.

Cambuslang Park has a disability trampoline which is specially designed for wheelchair use.

Jennifer added: “It doesn’t surprise me that other places cater for disabled children’s needs. I am disgusted with the lack of regard for these kids who are being discriminated against by our council.”

News readers also shared their views on the issue online.

Suzie O’Neill wrote: “A lot of children with disabilities are overweight. I know my daughter is as she comfort eats but there is nowhere they can go and play and run it off. All parks are too busy and too big.”

Lesley Brownlie posted: “What SLC need to realise is inclusion doesn’t work for everyone. Many children with autism have sensory processing issues and a regular park is not a suitable option for many reasons. Sadly it seems like just another excuse to not support children with autism appropriately.”

Stephen Kelly, head of facilities, waste and ground services, said: “Play provision within South Lanarkshire is designed to be inclusive, providing a wide range of challenging play in a safe, sympathetic and stimulating environment suitable for all abilities.

“We incorporate items of inclusive play in existing play areas where possible and try to ensure that play equipment chosen is classed as inclusive/accessible and does not prohibit the use of a play area for those with physical or other impairments.”

Mr Kelly added that South Lanarkshire Leisure & Culture provide sensory rooms at Murray Owen Centre, Liddell Grove, in East Kilbride and around the county.

Stephen Kelly continued: “Our aim is to enable children with additional support needs to play alongside other children and therefore, all play developments seek to integrate children of different ages and abilities.

“However, although not all children will use every piece of equipment, they can still play in the same area with their friends and family.”

East Kilbride News

Support our Kids Need to Play campaign

Our Kids Need to Play campaign is continuing to gather momentum as hundreds of East Kilbride residents pledge support online.

The News is urging more residents to give our community campaign another big push. We need the people of East Kilbride to back our campaign by pledging your support.

Our Kids Need to Play campaign will, we hope, push the council to swing into action, restore pride in our parks and aid children’s active and social development.

Previous Articles

Backed by mothers of special needs children in her area of East Mains, Jennifer Kerr says local play parks are a vital resource for children with learning difficulties like her four-year-old son Josh and called for answers from the council about its disability play provision in East Kilbride.